My Year in Running - 2022

Happy New Year!

What a year.

First off, let me state the format for this post - first I'll summarize the year and include the highlights. Then, I'll outline my goals for next year. Finally, at the end will be my regular weekly blog for this week.

Here is the link to last year's summary.

This year, I ran 1515.5 miles total. This is about 300 miles less than last year, but 300 miles more than the year prior. So it was a very moderate, middle-of-the-road mileage total for me.

However, I had only 138 run days this year, which means each run averages out to 10.98 miles. This is actually my highest average run distance since I've started recording my runs, so that's a small cause for celebration.

My average weekly mileage this year was about 29.1 miles per week.

Here's a few of this year's most memorable runs for me:

* Running a big springtime loop around the base of Mount Rosa.

* Being chased down from Almagre Mountain by a huge incoming thunderstorm.

* Completing my goal run of the year, a 41-mile journey out to Bull Park.

* Catching some fall colors on Kineo Mountain. 

* My first run with someone else since the pandemic began, when Sharon joined me for a Muscoco Mountain summit!

My main goal for 2022 was to run a solo 50-mile route. I didn't accomplish that goal, as my longest run topped out at 41 miles. Sometimes setting challenging goals means that you won't always achieve them. But that doesn't mean I will stop trying, or stop setting daring goals.

With that in mind, my goals for 2023 are the following:

* My main goal is to do quality speedwork sessions twice per month. I have had a serious lack of speedwork since the pandemic began in 2020, and it's becoming apparent in my slowing pace. It's time to fix that! By setting my goal to do speedwork only every-other-week (initially), I think I can improve my leg turnover without overtaxing my body.

* To set out and actually accomplish the 50-mile distance. I know I can do it. I need a better build-up and base than I had this year. Proper prior planning, and not allowing myself to cut it short! At this point, it's mostly mental, and I just have to force myself beyond my comfort zone. The marathon distance has become comfortable for me, beyond that is where I struggle.

* A final goal for me this coming year is to see many more friends out on the trails, and join people for adventure runs! I look forward to seeing many friends who I've missed ❤️ because of our strict lock down during the pandemic.

With that said, if you'd like to join me for an adventure run, please let me know! I'd love to see everyone. 

That concludes my yearly summary, and what follows is my regular workouts from the last week of 2022.

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Tuesday, 12/27

45 minutes on the row machine.

Then, a few sets of push-ups, just so I'm not totally neglecting bodyweight strength work.

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Thursday, 12/29

Heavy deadlifts in the morning. It was time for these for sure!

This one compound exercise alone was enough for today's weight session.

In the afternoon, a lot of the snow ❄️ from last night's snowstorm had already melted off.

So I ran up to Palmer Park and out-and-back to Grandview Overlook twice. It was lovely to slush around in the soft melting powder while the road to the overlook was closed to vehicles.

 

I got 8.1 miles and 1050 feet elevation. 

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Friday, 12/30

Just a short one, 5 miles in Palmer. A bit icy. The clouds were really neat, creating an arch over the mountains. 

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Saturday, 12/31

45 minutes on the row machine.

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Head first into 2023! I hope to see many friends out on the trails this coming year and make the most of new adventures.